Director of Engineering

About the Opportunity

Foster Conner International has been retained on a confidential basis by an established manufacturer of transformers to identify a Director of Engineering to lead engineering design and development for the organization's assigned region.

Position Summary

The Director of Engineering will combine strategic leadership with hands-on engineering management, overseeing the daily operations of the engineering department while driving the design, development, and production of high-quality distribution transformers. This is a highly visible role for an engineering leader who wants ownership of both the technical direction and the team building it.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute engineering department strategy in alignment with broader organizational goals
• Partner with other department leaders to align engineering initiatives with business priorities, budgets, and timelines
• Identify and champion new technologies, materials, and processes that improve product performance and reduce cost
• Represent the engineering function in cross-functional leadership discussions and company-wide decision-making
• Own the engineering budget and ensure effective allocation of resources

Engineering Management

• Manage day-to-day engineering operations, including sales, production, and quality support
• Maintain design compliance with applicable industry standards and certifications, including ANSI, ASTM, IEEE, CSA, and DOE
• Build departmental capability and capacity through skill assessment, training, and strategic hiring to meet customer demand and sales forecasts
• Regularly evaluate engineering practices and procedures and implement best practices
• Establish and track departmental OKRs and KPIs to scale productivity

Team Leadership

• Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing engineering team, fostering accountability and continuous improvement
• Conduct performance reviews, deliver feedback, and develop team members through coaching and goal setting
• Drive collaboration across engineering, production, and quality to optimize workflows and resolve technical challenges

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• 10+ years of engineering experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role within a manufacturing environment; experience in transformer or electrical equipment manufacturing strongly preferred

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in electrical distribution equipment design and application of industry standards such as ANSI, ASTM, IEEE, and CSA
• Knowledge of transformer design and associated manufacturing processes a plus
• Proficiency with engineering design and analysis tools (CAD, FEA, simulation software) and ERP/productivity software
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies

Leadership & Management Skills

• Proven ability to lead diverse teams and foster cross-functional collaboration
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and analytical skills
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders